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La adversidad es grande, pero estamos listos.

La adversidad es grande, pero estamos listos.
The adversity is great, but we are ready.
From Lesson 305:Unconditional statements (sea lo que sea)·Spanish (Latin America)

Breakdown of La adversidad es grande, pero estamos listos.

ser
to be
pero
but
grande
big
estar
to be (location/state)
listo
ready
la adversidad
adversity

Questions & Answers about La adversidad es grande, pero estamos listos.

Why is it estamos listos instead of somos listos?
The adjective listo changes meaning depending on the verb. With estar, it means "ready" (estamos listos = "we are ready"). With ser, it means "clever" or "smart" (somos listos = "we are clever").
How could I rephrase this sentence to practice the reduplicative subjunctive from this lesson?
You can use a phrase like sea cual sea to show that the specific nature or size of the adversity doesn't change your readiness. For example: Sea cual sea la adversidad, estamos listos (Whatever the adversity may be, we are ready) or Venga lo que venga, estamos listos (Come what may, we are ready).
Could I use gran instead of grande here?
No. The adjective grande only drops its final syllable (becoming gran) when it is placed directly before a singular noun, as in una gran adversidad. Because it stands alone after the verb in this sentence, it remains grande.
Why do we use es with grande, but estamos with listos?
You use ser (es) with grande because it describes an inherent characteristic or fact about the adversity. You use estar (estamos) with listos because being ready is a state or condition, rather than a permanent trait.
In English we would often just say "Adversity is great." Why does Spanish add the article La?
In Spanish, abstract nouns used as the subject of a sentence in a general sense (like love, peace, or adversity) require a definite article. Therefore, "Adversity" translates to La adversidad.

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